City News & Updates

Crystal Lake – City Manager Gary J. Mayerhofer announced the appointment of James R. Black as the City of Crystal Lake’s new Chief of Police. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Village of Downers Grove.

Chief Black, who will begin his service to the City of Crystal Lake on January 7, 2013, brings a wealth of experience to the position. For the past 25 years, he has served the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois in the role of Police Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Operations Lieutenant, and for the past 6 years as Deputy Chief of Police.

Chief Black is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. Chief Black holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University. In his role as Deputy Chief of Police, Chief Black collaborated with other local law enforcement agencies in DuPage County, having recently served as the coordinator of the multi-jurisdictional Felony Investigations Assistance Team (F.I.A.T) that is comprised of a major crimes unit, S.W.A.T. team, a computer forensics unit, a canine unit, and an accident reconstruction unit.

Chief Black comes to Crystal Lake with a strong law enforcement management background and a dedication to professional staff development and training. Chief Black is well versed in the requirements of a CALEA accredited department and he has substantial experience with financial administration and strategic planning.

Chief Black will be replacing Chief David R. Linder who announced his plan to retire this past summer after 32 years of service with the City of Crystal Lake Police Department. Following Chief Linder’s retirement announcement, the City launched a national recruitment effort. Chief Black’s application was one of 77 applications received from across the country. After a thorough interview process, Chief Black was selected as the candidate best qualified for the position.

Chief Linder plans to retire at the end of this year and he has provided excellent leadership to the Police Department since his promotion to Chief in 2005. Chief Linder began his career with the Crystal Lake Police Department on September 2, 1980 as a police officer, eventually working his way up through the ranks until his appointment as Chief of Police on September 6, 2005.

“Chief Linder has been a dedicated professional and will be missed,” according to City Manager Gary Mayerhofer. “I believe that the Police Department is in a much better organizational position since he became Chief. I am confident that Chief Black will continue to make certain that the Police Department provides the highest level of professional service to the community, ensuring that Crystal Lake continues to be a great place to live.”